Global cancer cases projected to reach 34 million by 2050
The global cancer burden is expected to increase sharply in the coming decades, with new cases projected to reach 34 million annually by 2050, according to new data from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The report *Global Cancer Statistics, 2026* estimates that around 21 million people were diagnosed with cancer worldwide in 2024, while 9.8 million died from the disease. Researchers estimate that nearly one in five people will develop cancer during their lifetime.
Lung cancer remains leading cause of death
Cancer incidence is expected to rise by 67% between 2024 and 2050, largely due to population growth and aging. Experts warn that the actual impact could be higher if major risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity and certain infections are not reduced.
Lung cancer remains the most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer deaths. In 2024, about 2.6 million new cases were recorded, while nearly 1.9 million people died from the disease. Smoking remains the main risk factor.
Breast cancer was the second most common cancer, with about 2.4 million new cases and 694,000 deaths. It remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer death in many female populations.
Global inequalities affect survival rates
Researchers highlighted major differences in cancer outcomes between countries, with survival often depending on access to screening, early diagnosis and modern treatments.
For example, women in West Africa face around twice the risk of dying from breast cancer compared with women in Australia and New Zealand, despite having lower rates of diagnosis. Experts attribute the gap mainly to delayed detection and limited access to specialized care.
Similar inequalities exist for other cancers, particularly in lower-income regions.
Prevention and early detection remain key
Colorectal cancer was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, with more than 2 million new cases and around 918,000 deaths.
Other major cancer burdens included liver cancer, stomach cancer and prostate cancer. Pancreatic cancer, despite ranking lower in new cases, remained one of the deadliest forms, causing about 491,000 deaths.
The report said nearly half of cancer deaths may be linked to preventable risk factors. Experts emphasized that vaccination, screening programs and healthier lifestyles could significantly reduce the global impact of the disease.
Cervical cancer remains a major example of preventable cancer, with HPV vaccination and regular screening capable of preventing many cases. However, it continues to be the leading cause of cancer death among women in several countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Latin America.
Health experts said national cancer strategies should focus on prevention, including reducing tobacco and alcohol use, maintaining healthy weight, increasing physical activity and improving access to early diagnosis and treatment.
Soure:AMNA
